French Settlement council considers appointed police chief

FRENCH SETTLEMENT- French Settlement votes may change the way its police chief is selected.

Residents of the Livingston Parish municipality now elect a chief to four-year terms. On Monday, the Board of Aldermen will consider putting a proposition on the Nov. 21 ballot that will ask voters if they would prefer the mayor appoint a chief who must be confirmed by the aldermen.

Alderwoman Teresa Miller, who proposed the ordinance to call for an election, said the change would allow French Settlement, population 1,112, to look outside the village for candidates. Currently, the police chief, who oversees three officers, must reside within municipal limits.

City officials noted that the proposed change is not a reflection on current chief Harry Brignac, who has held the job since 1984.